Our Peruvian Adventure explores the natural and historic wonders of this vast and colorful country. Raft the Apurimac River, then live and work in a remote Andean village, earning up to 60 hours of community service. Explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas, then trek through the Andes to the mystical ruins of Machu Picchu. Travel the famous "zig-zag" train to colonial Cusco. Help build a school on the shores of Lake Titicaca, then sea kayak to remote, floating islands where we'll stay with the native Uros families.
Introduction to Spanish Language
Our group flight from Miami will take us to Lima for orientation and an overview of Peruvian history and culture. We'll then fly to the charming colonial city of Cusco at 12,000 feet. Here we'll enjoy a fun day of informal Spanish language instruction, which will help us with our conversation skills throughout our adventure.Explore Historic Cusco
Before heading into the countryside, we'll spend a day exploring this fascinating city and it's surrounding Inca ruins before feasting on local Peruvian food.Assist Andean Villagers
From Cusco, we will travel to a remote mountain community which can only be reached by trail. Amidst the snowcapped Andes, we'll live with local villagers for several days and help them improve their standard of living as part of an ongoing Peruvian foundation project. Our rewards will be great as we learn about local customs, enjoy Peruvian foods, and play games and teach the local school children who will also work along with us.Raft the Apurimac River
Following our village stay we'll experience a fun-filled 3 days of world class whitewater on the amazing Class III and IV rapids of the Apurmiac River.Trek the Lares Trail and Explore Machu Picchu
Next we travel through the Sacred Valley of the Incas to the beginning of the Lares Trail. This amazing 5-day trek takes us high into the snowcovered Andes, past ancient ruins and tiny villages. At trail's end we'll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the sun rising over the ancient city of Machu Picchu.Help Build a Village School
The famous narrow gauge "Z Train" takes us back to Cusco and then on to the shores of 12,500-foot Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. On the shores of this magnificent lake, we'll continue with an ongoing Wilderness Ventures project of building and improving the local school. Here, we'll be welcomed into homes of villagers where we'll partake in family meals and experience daily village life.Sea Kayak on Lake Titicaca
Next we'll pack our sea kayaks for a fabulous paddle through these clear waters of Lake Titicaca to the island of Tequile, a World Heritage Site. On Taquile, we will witness villagers living as their ancestors did centuries ago.Live with Uros Villagers
From Taquile, we'll be off to the fascinating and surreal floating reed islands which are home to the Uros people. Our overnight homestay on one of these islands will be an unforgettable experience as we learn about the daily life of the Uros people and help them build a traditional reed house. These floating islands and the Uros' historic lifestyle are quickly disappearing from Lake Titicaca and, within 20 years, will be gone forever. Our trip concludes with a flight back to Lima and our traditional banquet before our group flight back to Miami.
